Who was Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Why was Adam Clayton Powell Jr. a controversial figure in politics?

June 15, 2014 by Karen Hill | Filed Under: History

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (1908-1972) was one of the most controversial and flamboyant figures in American politics.

He began speaking out for the oppressed from the pulpit of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, where his father had been pastor.

In 1941, he became New York’s first black city councilman, helped by the 14,000 members of his congregation. Three years later he was elected to the House of Representatives, where, boldly, he personally integrated the dining rooms, showers, and barbershops that black congressmen were not allowed to use.

Because of him, black reporters were admitted to the House press gallery, blacks were admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy, and blacks were able to serve on the U.S. delegation to the United Nations. He drafted bills to end discriminatory practices such as poll taxes and sponsored legislation advocating a minimum wage scale.

But Powell was soon accused of putting his friends on the congressional payroll. He was also frequently absent from congressional votes, and lived what some considered the life of a playboy. In 1967 the House condemned him, and he moved to the Caribbean island of Bimini.

In 1970 he lost the New York Democratic primary for his congressional seat, and retired officially. He died in Miami in 1972.